Signs of a faulty water meter include a blank or unreadable display, visible damage, leakage around the meter, inconsistent readings, or no change in the reading during known water use. A meter running when water is off usually points to a plumbing leak, not necessarily a faulty meter.
Signs to look for
- Blank or unreadable display: A digital screen may be blank, incomplete or erratic. An analogue dial may be obscured or damaged.
- No response during water use: The reading or flow indicator does not move when a tap is deliberately running.
- Inconsistent water meter readings: The display changes unpredictably during a controlled check.
- Visible damage or leakage: The meter has cracks, impact damage, a broken cover or water escaping nearby. Report this rather than touching the meter or its connections.
- Unexplained increase in your water bill: This can indicate a leak, changed usage or an estimated reading. A high bill alone does not prove the meter is faulty.
Check for flow before reporting a fault
Use this observation-only test to distinguish a possible meter fault from a likely plumbing leak:
- Turn off all taps and ensure toilets, washing machines, dishwashers, irrigation and automatic filling devices are not operating.
- Photograph the complete meter reading, including any small flow indicator.
- Use no water for a short period, then check the meter again.
- If the reading has changed, water is flowing somewhere and the property’s plumbing may have a hidden leak.
- If it has not changed, run one tap and observe the meter. No movement during genuine use may indicate a meter or display fault.
Do not dismantle, strike, bypass, tighten or repair the meter. Keep clear if the meter box is flooded, badly damaged or unsafe to access.
Who to contact in Sydney
Report a damaged, leaking, unreadable or non-registering meter to Sydney Water through its current fault-reporting channel. Follow its directions before arranging work on or immediately around the meter, as responsibility depends on the fault’s location.
If the meter moves while all water use is off, contact our licensed Sydney plumbing team to assess the property’s plumbing. Plumbing repairs must be left to an appropriately licensed professional.